The internet is the most useful tool around for finding any information, products, or useless piece of knowledge you'll ever need. The problem is, it tends to be a double-edged sword. For example, say you're trying to find a decent Washington zipcode map online. Do a search, and you'll probably get millions of results - but which ones are quality and which are simply spam?
For one, without any kind of filter you can run into all kinds of obscene and crazy websites. Sites better left unmentioned by this article. And yes, even with as innocuous term as Washington zipcode map, you may still see some results that are nowhere NEAR what you're looking for.
The other big flaw in the freedom of the internet is the fact that anyone with internet access, half a brain and no morals can create a commercial website. So how DO you tell which is legit and which is a scam? Say you're a realtor in need of a Washington zipcode map to hang up in your office for a visual of your area. You obviously want to make sure you get a map that does the job.
You DON'T want some kid with Internet access trying to sell you a hand-drawn map of Washington on a paper towel. After all, a Washington zipcode map is a handy tool to add to any agent's arsenal. Especially newer agents who are trying to get a visual idea of the area they can easily service.
A Washington zipcode map also comes in handy when showing buyers around - you can easily mark a route to get you from the first house they want to look at to the last in the most energy and time-efficient manner. It's also a good tool to use in client presentations - it's easy to mark off school districts, landmarks, etc using a quality zip code map. But regardless of the uses, the important thing is finding a GOOD map!
Of course with search engine technology being as good as it is, especially with Google, you're likely to find quality sites selling Washington zipcode maps within the first 10 results of Google. Their technology is advanced enough that few spammers get by them more than a month or two at a time. It may be a bit tougher to corral the sponsored listings however.
The sponsored listings section of Google are simply paid advertisements. For example, several different map sites may want to advertise for the term Washington zipcode map. They run an adwords campaign and start getting people to their site to buy maps. The only catch is it's possible they are simply trying to scam people out of money without giving anything in return. But again, Google's technology is cutting edge enough that they're usually able to quickly identify and rid their results of any spam sites.
So how do you differentiate a real site selling Washington zipcode maps from a spammer out to take your money? Trust your judgment - if the site looks unprofessional and quickly put together, it's probably best to stay away. But if a site is showing up in the top ten of Google and it's professionally put together with a legitimate check-out system (like Google Check Out or PayPal) you can probably rest assured that the Washington zipcode map you just purchased is going to be just what you needed.
For one, without any kind of filter you can run into all kinds of obscene and crazy websites. Sites better left unmentioned by this article. And yes, even with as innocuous term as Washington zipcode map, you may still see some results that are nowhere NEAR what you're looking for.
The other big flaw in the freedom of the internet is the fact that anyone with internet access, half a brain and no morals can create a commercial website. So how DO you tell which is legit and which is a scam? Say you're a realtor in need of a Washington zipcode map to hang up in your office for a visual of your area. You obviously want to make sure you get a map that does the job.
You DON'T want some kid with Internet access trying to sell you a hand-drawn map of Washington on a paper towel. After all, a Washington zipcode map is a handy tool to add to any agent's arsenal. Especially newer agents who are trying to get a visual idea of the area they can easily service.
A Washington zipcode map also comes in handy when showing buyers around - you can easily mark a route to get you from the first house they want to look at to the last in the most energy and time-efficient manner. It's also a good tool to use in client presentations - it's easy to mark off school districts, landmarks, etc using a quality zip code map. But regardless of the uses, the important thing is finding a GOOD map!
Of course with search engine technology being as good as it is, especially with Google, you're likely to find quality sites selling Washington zipcode maps within the first 10 results of Google. Their technology is advanced enough that few spammers get by them more than a month or two at a time. It may be a bit tougher to corral the sponsored listings however.
The sponsored listings section of Google are simply paid advertisements. For example, several different map sites may want to advertise for the term Washington zipcode map. They run an adwords campaign and start getting people to their site to buy maps. The only catch is it's possible they are simply trying to scam people out of money without giving anything in return. But again, Google's technology is cutting edge enough that they're usually able to quickly identify and rid their results of any spam sites.
So how do you differentiate a real site selling Washington zipcode maps from a spammer out to take your money? Trust your judgment - if the site looks unprofessional and quickly put together, it's probably best to stay away. But if a site is showing up in the top ten of Google and it's professionally put together with a legitimate check-out system (like Google Check Out or PayPal) you can probably rest assured that the Washington zipcode map you just purchased is going to be just what you needed.
About the Author:
The author, Damien McCleary researches and writes for various websites such as ZipCodeGuy.com. He specializes in Internet marketing and search engine optimization but has a passion for carteography and map reading. You can learn more about him or buy a Washington zipcode map at Zip Code Guy .com.
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